Well haven’t we all been through it these past few years? So by now we’re all in the mood to celebrate, right? And what better way than with a cracking knees-up at a family wedding? (Lots of rhetorical questions there, my apologies!)

The (non-rhetorical) question I get asked the most by couples is, ‘Can you suggest a modern exit song?’ Of course I can! I’ve already published a blog with some favourites (Top Ten Modern Recessional Songs), but times and tastes change, and then of course, there’s the ‘Bridgerton Effect.’

So I thought it was high time to revisit my recommendations and suggest another ten belters to get your party started. The best thing about this list is that all these songs have been requested by at least one of my couples in either 2022 or 2023. So now you’re all up to date. Let’s go…

1. Greatest Day – Take That

I mean, come on, who doesn’t love a bit of Barlow & The Boys? And since their comeback tour Take That’s back catalogue have been frequent flyers in my drinks reception sets. This one just screams wedding though and has inspired one of my most popular cocktail playlists.

Best Feature: Upbeat and celebrational.

Best Lyric: “Today this could be / The greatest day of our lives.” Enough said.

2. Don’t Stop Me Now – Queen

Well OK, to Millennials this might be less of a ‘modern’ number but can we at least all agree it’s still a classic?

Best Feature: Instantly recognisable introduction guaranteed to get everyone in the party spirit.

Best Lyric: All of them.

3. Best Day of My Life – American Authors

With its catchy and jaunty rhythms this songs tick all the boxes for a party-starter. This string quartet version fits in nicely with a wedding vibe.

Best Feature: Happy without being overly bombastic.

Best Lyric: “This is gonna be the best day of my life.” Yes!

4. Dancing in the Moonlight – Toploader

Maybe more for the Gen-Xers than the Gen-Zers, this ’90s cover was a huge hit in the UK and those of a certain age will remember it fondly from their youth. And yes, I did see them supporting Robbie Williams at Old Trafford. Ah, those were the days. But I digress…

Best Feature: Instantly recognisable party song intro (for people who were actually around in the 1990s that is.)

Best Lyric: “We like our fun and we never fight / you can’t dance and stay uptight.” (Try it and you’ll see.)

5. Everlasting Love – Love Affair

Something for the Boomers, here’s a song that may also be familiar to younger couples as it was used in the soundtrack of Kenneth Brannagh’s Oscar-Winning film ‘Belfast.’ Please watch the clip if only to see the crazy non-binary dancer.

Best Feature: Fun ‘Wall of Sound’ number from the ’60s.

Best Lyric: “Need you by my side / Girl you’ll be my bride / You’ll never be denied everlasting love.” Real love will last forever.

6. Love & Marriage – Frank Sinatra

Taking retro to its logical conclusion this definitely qualifies as ‘vintage’ but everyone knows this song. Perfect for couples with a GSOH.

Best Feature: Guaranteed to raise a smile or giggle from your guests.

Best Lyric: “Ask the local gentry / And they will say it’s elementary.”

7. Wildest Dreams – Taylor Swift (Bridgerton Cover)

Taylor used her own heart beat for the rhythm at the start of this track (citation needed). Whether true or not, it certainly does build up some tension. And to many this will be familiar from a certain scene in the monumentally successful Bridgerton series. This string version by Duomo is currently really popular for both Entrance and Exit songs.

Best Feature: Creates that popular ‘Bridgerton Vibe.’

Best Lyric: “Say you’ll remember me / Standing in a nice dress / Staring at the sunset.”

8. Friday I’m In Love – The Cure

’90s alt-rock-indie band The Cure might not be everyone’s tasse de thé, but this, probably jolliest of their numbers did appeal to a much more mainstream audience. It’s jangly, upbeat and has pretty cool lyrics which have even spawned a meme. One of my personal favourites from this season (2023).

Best Feature: Happiness in a song.

Best Lyric: “Dressed up to the eyes / It’s a wonderful surprise / To see your shoes and your spirits rise.” Love it.

9. I Gotta Feeling / Firework – Black Eyed Peas / Katy Perry Medley

Let’s face it, most people will recognise the first couple of lines of ‘I Gotta Feeling’ and then it gets a bit repetitive (Sorry Will.I.am, but I know you know I’m right). This mash up with its contemporary ‘Firework’ makes for a much more interesting track. The result is a Millennial anthem that will see you safely back up the aisle to a glass of champagne in your hand and a toast to the newlyweds.

Best Feature: Two anthems for the price of one.

Best Lyric: “I gotta feelin’ / That tonight’s gonna be a good night.” Or, “You just gotta ignite the light / And let it shine / Just own the night / Like the Fourth of July.” (See also, “Boom, boom, boom / Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon.”) Lyrical genius.

10. Beautiful Day – U2

Not necessarily as obvious a choice if you consider the whole lyric, Bono, The Edge et al.’s song from the year 2000 (I know, I can’t believe that either) is more about enjoying what you have and living in the moment. Which when you think about it, really isn’t a bad philosophy for a wedding day OR a marriage. Congratulations!

Best Feature: From arguably the most famous rock band of all time, a great rock song everyone will appreciate even if they don’t get the deeper meaning.

Best Lyric: “See the bird with a leaf in her mouth.” “What you don’t have, you don’t need it now.” “It’s a beautiful day / Don’t let it get away.”

Samantha Bramley is a professional wedding & event musician living & working in Central & South West France. All these titles are available as part of her extensive repertoire. To get in touch please visit her website at www.WeddingMusicFrance.com